Starting the Week Correctly

Wine and Sand
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
June 30, 2025

Happy July!

 It was Monday, after all. 

The weekend was over and it was time to settle into the rhythm of the week. 

I began the day with an almost 18-mile ride. I was very hot when I returned home. But, it had been a great ride. 

On the Beach with Friends
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
June 30, 2025

Chris and I then headed off to the store for supplies. It is weird, no matter how often we go for groceries, there always seems to be something more that we need. I definitely have noticed the prices creeping up. Has anyone else noticed that ginger ale is now more than $1 per bottle?

After doing some work around the house, we headed off to the beach for Happy Hour. Despite the nearly suffocating humidity and temperatures at the house, the beach was very nice with a wind coming off the ocean. There water was warm and inviting--and I enjoyed the ocean water for more than a few minutes. 

It was a great ending to the month of June!

Now arriving--my favorite month of the year: July!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

At the Marina

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

 It was a typical Tuesday in South Florida. It was hot, but not as hot as north of here where extreme heat warnings were issued for most of the East Coast. We had normal heat and humidity--which can be very enjoyable.

Pelican
Blowing Rocks Marina, Tequesta, FL
June 23, 2025

Chris and I made our usual Tuesday trek to the local watering hole. We enjoy the afternoon breezes coming off the ICW and watching the fishermen return from a day on the water. The sky was blue and punctuated with bright puffy clouds, but there was no rain.

A pelican arrived as we were enjoying the scene and provided some live entertainment before the band began cranking out noise. 

It was relaxing; sitting along the edge of the marina enjoying the scene and the breeze off the water.

I am beginning to really enjoy the idea of Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL  

Sunday Funday

Crepe Myrtle in Turtle Creek
Tequesta, FL
June 21. 2025

 Chris and I are expecting a very exciting day. Jeremy and Julie are scheduled to board an aircraft soon and fly-in for an overnight visit before heading off on a cruise out of Miami. We have a fun day planned on the water followed by a relaxing at the house for the evening.  

I have a boat reserved and we should have fun exploring the sandbars which appear at low tide with hundreds of our new best friends. 

Yesterday, I enjoyed a 17 mile ride through Tequesta. The crepe myrtle are in full bloom and I saw this one that made be take notice because of the deep color. 

Here's hoping you have a great Sunday!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Caught

Chris and Finn
Tequesta, FL
June 20, 2025

 Priceless. That is the expression on Chris's face as I caught her napping on the sofa with Finn. I wordlessly grabbed my phone to catch the scene as she was sleeping, but for some reason she woke up just as I took the image. 

What else is there to do on the longest daylight of the year? Nap, of course. 

We had had a busy morning and had just completed lunch. It was, after all, siesta time! Finn is a great bed buddy. 

We finished off the day entertaining friends and had an enjoyable Happy Hour  followed by a summertime dinner of hamburgers, potato salad, and cooked squash. Somewhere along the way we forgot to serve dessert!

Welcome weekend.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Against the Storm Clouds

Palms against the Clouds
Tequesta, FL
June 17, 2025

 There is something about sunlit palms waving in the breeze against gray storm clouds that makes me want to take an image. And so I did, yesterday. 

The rising sun provided just the right illumination for the trees. And these trees are right outside of my front door. 

As the day was drawing to a close, Chris and I enjoyed  Happy Hour along side the ICW which cannot be beat. Even with the heat of the day lingering, we sat comfortably under the expansive thatched rook of Tiki52 and enjoyed the cooling breeze and adult beverages. 

Who knows what today will bring. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Clouds to Cloudless

Clouds in the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
June 16, 2025

 During my ride yesterday, I crossed the Loxahatchee Bridge in Tequesta and I just had to stop. The scene was almost like a painting. The water was still and the reflection of the clouds; stunning! I stood, holding my bike, and enjoyed the moment for a bit longer than normal.

Carlin Park Beach
Jupiter, FL
June 16, 2025

Later, we descended on the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. The sky was cloudless and the beach almost deserted. I love an empty beach. There were a few people about, but we enjoyed Happy hour and watched the osprey's hunt. There were not the usual shore birds, but the scene was very satisfying.

A great Florida day from start to finish.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Happy Hour and then the Game

 It was a great afternoon and evening where everything fell into place, smoothly. 

We began with Happy Hour and friends, Cathy and Gary, at Seasons 52 where we caught up and enjoyed great company. The apps we enjoyed were good, but the assortment of mini desserts was over-the-top delicious. It was funny that we had never enjoyed multiple desserts before, but last evening they were the perfect exclamation point to a wonderful Happy Hour.

Jax on the Mound
Arundel High, Odenton, MD
June 9, 2025

Following Happy Hour in Columbia we raced to Odenton to attend an American Legion team baseball game.

Jax was on the mound for the team and posted a dominating performance notching no earned runs and nine strikeouts over six innings. He only allowed four walks and three hits. 

The team played well and they won 4-1 with Jax getting the win.   

We definitely enjoyed the afternoon and evening especially the conversation during Happy Hour and Jax's great pitching performance to cap the evening.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday Activities

 

We have a busy day planned. Once the day begins Chris and I expect to be visiting a our favorite winery for the late-morning and early-afternoon and then we celebrate the evening with our youngest grandson and his parents. It is a distinct change from yesterday which saw me golf in the morning and enjoy a very relaxing afternoon and evening. 

We visited Primanti Brothers to enjoy lunch with Jeremy. That was our first visit to Primanti Brothers. I enjoyed a huge Ruben sandwich and, well, an adult beverage. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the multiple sports games on the TVs for a while. The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to watching baseball and a movie. There may have been a nap involved. 

We are more than recharged for a busy day. 

Today promises to be cool--with a projected high around 74 degrees. In Rohrersville, MD, it will be cooler crawling up to a high of 70 degrees. I am glad that we golfed yesterday.

I guess we will need to take some jackets with us once we begin the day.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It Rained

Rain from the Doorway
Tequesta, FL
June 1, 2025

 It rained most all of yesterday. 

While the temperatures were cooler, outdoors activities were suspended and we had a flood watch for the low lying areas. OF course, since my elevation is all of 11 feet, I am not in a low lying area which seems pretty weird when compared to areas like Maryland where the elevation can change 11 feet in a very short distance. 

But June has arrived and with it the longest days of sunlight of the year! The counterpoint to December! I love the early morning sunrises and late evening sunsets. I guess that is why being confined to the house on a rainy afternoon is disturbing. 

I watched the Orioles complete a series sweep for the first time this season. They are sitting on a 3-game winning streak for the second time this year and actually are over .500 (6-4) for the past 10 games! Amazing. They even picked up a game during the series on the first place team and are now only 14 games away from the division lead. If they keep playing .600 baseball maybe they can crawl into the playoff race. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Evening along the Jupiter Inlet

Looking to the Mouth of the Inlet and the Ocean
Dubois Park, Jupiter, FL
May 30, 2025

 Last evening Chris and I journeyed, along with a friend, to DuBois Park aside the Jupiter inlet to enjoy the ending of the day and sunset. We do not visit the park often as we usually head to the ICW to watch the sunsets and enjoy the evening. That was due to the closure of the US-1 bridge for the past almost two years. But, the bridge is open and getting to DuBois Park is much easier. We traversed the bridge twice yesterday crossing over the Inlet and ICW.

Sunset with the Lighthouse
Dubois Park, Jupiter, FL
May 30, 2025

DuBois Park is comfortably large and provides multiple areas to enjoy. Situated along the inlet, there is a lot of boat traffic to enjoy and last evening the water was fairly flat which made the evening even more enjoyable. 

We were treated to a colorful sunset with the Jupiter Lighthouse as the focal point. I have enjoyed boating the waters of the ICW and the inlet and looking across to the lighthouse last evening reminded me of those great times. 

It was a great ending to the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#jupiterinlet #jupiterlighthouse #duboispark

Riding the Hump of the Week

 It is the mid-point of the week.

After two days of rain that precluded riding, I am planning on getting out today to ply the streets on my bike. 

It will be very humid and I need to reacclimatize to the steamy weather.  

At least the storms are not expected until this afternoon. But, it is Florida in the summer. Storms and rain is expected. 

It is another busy week in the country and the news. 

It is disheartening that our president has figured out how to abuse his office to increase his wealth while running roughshod over the ethics laws and rules. Also, he always talked about the Biden crime family, when in reality there is only one crime family in operation in the U.S. right now. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Down Day

 

Tobago Cays Marine State Park
St Vincent & the Grenadines
August 3, 2011 

We took a pass yesterday. 

We did manage a trip to the grocery store for replenishment, but other than that it was pretty quiet. 

I spent more time working on some older images to get them ready for possible printing and display. 

The one today is of a turtle I imaged while enjoying Tobago Cays Marine State Park during 2011. 

We had a fun day snorkeling with the turtles during a week long catamaran sailing trip. 

Working with the image brought back some great memories. I had posted a quick blog during the trip titled, Turtles of Tobago Cays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to the Beach--Last Day

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

 We headed off to the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island to enjoy the sun, sand, and the waves. It was a beautiful day and the last full day of George and Sue's visit with us in Florida. 

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

The waters just off the beach were alive with schools of fish moving along the beach. Every so often they would be attacked by larger fish looking for a meal and the schools would scatter only to reform after the attacker left the area. We watched this activity literally for hours.

I was late getting to the beach as I had to wait for a wine shipment. Fortunately, the delivery was as about the time I expected. It was the 3rd delivery attempt. I am very disappointed with FedEx and their inability to advise me of the wine's initial delivery and then that I could not redirect it to a pick-up location. Some of the wine appears cooked with one cork popped a bit. I have contacted the winery and they will replace any bad bottles--but FedEx really is to blame for their terrible customer service and for not properly caring for the wine in transit. 

We closed out the day with Happy Hour at Hog Snappers and then back to the house for after dinner drinks. It was a wonderful day and we are sad to see George and Sue depart. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Bald Eagle
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary beckoned us yesterday. Chris and I had not visited the sanctuary since it moved to its new location. 

The entire layout and set up is first rate. The animals were active and we enjoyed watching the panthers prowl and the turkeys trot. Seriously--most all of the animals were out in their yards doing something--in the case of the bobcats it was mostly sleeping, however, one of them did walk about. 

Tom Turkey with Fencing
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

While the enclosures first-rate and provide protection for the animals from humans, my only negative of the day was that the enclosures make it hard to get good images of the animals. The best image I was able to obtain was of the eagle, because the enclosure was close enough that I could lean in and take the image between the links of chain fencing. On all others, except in the reptile house, I had to fight the enclosure for an image.

I was very impressed overall with the new facility and the availability of volunteers and staff to answer questions and provide insights. I was also impressed with the availability of restrooms!

My only other critique is that I would have preferred more information about the animals on the enclosures--to include some history and in the case of enclosures with multiple species an identification guide. 

A great day and well worth the visit. Allow about 2-3 hours for a visit. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Checking out Bathtub Beach

Happy Beach Goers
Bathtub Beach, Hutchinson Island, FL
May 15, 2025

 We decided to checkout a new beach yesterday. Well, of course it is not new it is just that we have never visited the beach before. 

We sojourned to Bathtub Beach on Hutchinson Island yesterday. It is a long-ish drive, 45 minutes, but it is a beautiful beach. My failing was that I did not remember my snorkeling gear as there is a reef a few hundred yards offshore which is supposed to be very full of marine life. I don't feel too bad about it though because the water temperature was only 74 degrees yesterday. I will make a return trip when the water gets closer to 80 degrees. 

I don't fully grasp why the beach is balled Bathtub. It is neither small not enclosed, but rather it is a wide stretch of beach. It may be because of the offshore reef which keeps the waves at bay. 

In other thoughts, I noted this truck, a Denali, during our drive yesterday and with the push to Americanize names, I wondered if the company would be changing the name to McKinley? 

Today is a boat day! I love South Florida when the weather is good!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday Again

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
May 13, 2025

 Tuesday is, of course, Tiki Tuesday. And yesterday definitely fit the description. 

I completed an almost 18-mile ride in the morning and enjoyed sitting at Tiki52 alongside the marina for an enjoyable evening. 

The flags were especially impressive last evening against the ultra blue sky and I felt compelled to snap an image of them. It was a nicely warm evening at Tiki52 and the wind off the water was more refreshing than it was uncomfortably cold. 

My biking adventure earlier in the day was largely unremarkable except for one stretch where the service trucks completely blocked the road and I had to dismount and squeeze my bike between them. I don't understand how the drivers did not see anything wrong with completely blocking the road to unload goods. I should have taken an image of the situation for posterity, but I was too upset that I had to dismount and walk between the trucks to think about anything other than safety. 

Well, we have friends arriving today for a week and I am looking forward to some boating and beach activities. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Weather Turns

Gopher Tortoise
Tequesta, FL
May 8, 2025

 The weather has turned.

Our weather has transitioned from an almost idyllic springtime with low humidity and moderate temperatures to South Florida summer where the temperatures and humidity both approach 90. It is uncomfortable after enjoying the long and luxurious weather we have experienced. But, we knew the sloppy wet heat would soon arrive.

I rode almost 18 miles yesterday before the day became too unbearable. The region is lacking for moisture as can be seen from the image of the tortoise along the roadway that I snapped yesterday. The normally lush green grasses are burnt and brown. We need rain--lots of it, but hopefully not all at once.

In the news, was it a cosmic coincidence that an American was selected as Pope on V-E Day? Yes, Pope Leo XIV is originally from Chicago.

Oh; my tortoise count yesterday was 2.

Chris and I are planning a golf outing this morning. It will be our first together since January. At least the lower off-season rates are in effect.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Enjoying the Late Afternoon

Florida Crow
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
May 6, 2025

 The ultimate form of escapism for me is enjoying the beach on a sunny afternoon. There is something about the sound of the waves and the antics of the birds that erases all of the concerns from my mind. 

Yesterday was no exception.

Kiteboarder with Moon
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
May 6, 2025

The birds were exceptionally active. We had an assortment of crows, sanderlings, sand pipers, and a couple of ospreys that kept us amused. Sadly, there were no surfers but a couple of kiteboarders were out on the rough waters of the Atlantic.

One kiteboarder was very proficient and stayed on the water for quite a while. My only concern was when he landed the kite--it seemed like a phoenix and kept trying to rise up into the air. I felt we were within the possible impact zone if he lost control--fortunately, he was able to finally get the kite to stay down. 

A great ending to a nearly perfect day, Happy Hour on the beach with friends. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday

Looking onto the ICW
Tiki52, Tequesta, FL
April 29, 2025

 I have always had trouble characterizing Tuesday, aside from recognizing that it is the day between Happy Monday and Hump Day Wednesday. 

I believe that I have finally found a name for Tuesday--Tiki Tuesday. 

On Tuesdays, weather permitting, we enjoy going to Tiki52 for their $2 Tuesday celebration. And last evening was no different. We used to enjoy Must Drink Monday at a different waterside bar/restaurant--but they have become a bit too pricey as their fame has increased. 

Last evening we enjoyed perfect weather and decided to sit at a marina-side table. It was very nice.

Costco
Stuart, FL
April 29, 2025

We had finished a busy day which saw Chris and I trek to Stuart to shop at the new Costco. The store is very nice and the shopping was pleasant even though there were more cars in the parking lot than I have seen since the last time I went to a ballgame. Sadly though, the store is a significantly longer trek than the one in Northern Palm Beach and so we likely will not return. I did note higher prices, however. A three-pound can of coffee increased $3 since the last time I bought one. Eggs were down to about $3.30 per dozen which was good. I saw increases on cheese, meat, drinks, and most everything else. It was distressing.

Well, I guess that is the path we are on. 

At least prices remained the same at Tiki52, but for how long?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cars I Don't Often See

 

Lotus and Lamborghini
Jupiter, FL
April 26, 2025

It has been a great week for car spotting. 

Sure we have seen the usual plethora of Bentleys and Rolls. They are almost everywhere. But, over the past couple days I have been introduced to a few cars that just do not show up often.

Yesterday, for instance, Chris and I pulled into a small shopping area to find a Lotus and a Lamborghini parked next to each other. That was a first, but even more interesting was the color of the Lamborghini--purple. There they were, parked together alone in the lot. I took a moment to admire them and imagine the sound of their engines accelerating. 

1989 Jaguar XJS V-12 rouge Special Edition
Image from the Internet

Late last week, I was introduced to a very special Jaguar. It was a 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 Rouge Special Edition. And it was in our community. One of the residents had borrowed it from his father-in-law to take his daughter and friends to Prom. Wow--it was a beauty with only 28,000 miles on it. Now this Jaguar was not in the same class as the Lotus or the Lamborghini, but it was a really beautiful car. I failed to take an image of it sitting in his drive, but found a few on the internet so I could remember the awesomeness of this classic. He told me how much someone told him it was worth, but that was a bit of an exaggeration. Nonetheless, it was a heart stopping car. 

Later Chris and I got into our 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-e and headed out wishing we were in the Jag and remembering the ones we have owned. At least our Mach-e is red. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL